New College, Swindon
 | |
| Established | 1983 |
|---|---|
| Type | Further & higher education |
| Principal | Graham Taylor |
| Location |
New College Drive Swindon Wiltshire SN3 1AH England Coordinates: 51°33′27″N 1°45′30″W / 51.5575°N 1.7583°W |
| DfE URN | 130851 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Students | 4,800 approx. |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Colours | |
| Website |
www |
New College is a further and higher education institution, founded in 1983 and located in Swindon, England. The latest (2009) OFSTED report rated the college as 'good' (grade 2) with 'outstanding' features stating that: "This is a good college with outstanding features and good capacity to improve.." and that: "Achievement and standards are good overall. For adult learners on long courses and for pupils aged 14 to 16 on school link programmes they are satisfactory. Learners’ outcomes do not justify the college’s own view that achievement and standards are outstanding".[1] New College is also one of the largest institutions in the country, for around 3,000 16-18 year olds, 1,500 over-19s and 14-16s "enrichment programmes".
Rebuild
In January 2003, 20 years after formation, there was a rebuild of the main site. The new building had a larger library and computing area, darkroom, digital darkroom, recording studio, 250 seat theatre, textile labs, more biological, physical and chemical labs and a large Sports Centre. Further extensions were added in 2005 and 2012, the latter being a £10 million investment which increased capacity by a third. The new build included a Student Zone, a STEM zone, a Lecture Theatre and an extended Restaurant.
OFSTED
Overall in the 2009 inspection, the college was rated 'good' (Grade 2) with outstanding features, in achievement and standards and the same in quality of provision and leadership and management.[1] The report also stated that "...pass rates and the achievement of high grades in A levels are in line with the high national average and are good. Pass rates in AS qualifications are broadly in line with the national average. A-level success rates are mostly in line with sixth form college averages but at AS level they are low in comparison. This is as a result of learners withdrawing from part of their programme of study during the year".
Range of courses
New College is known for its large range of courses offered, with 65 A-Level subjects (including unusual options such as Ceramics, History (Tudors & Stuarts), Archaeology and Environmental Sciences) and a selection of vocational courses across Public Services, Hair and Beauty, Health Care and Childcare, Sports and Leisure, Performing Arts and Art, Design and Photography. The College also offers a substantial number of programmes at Level 1 and 2 as well as part-time qualification and leisure courses for adults. New College has a vibrant business training department for organisations. Fast Forward Training and Development Fast Forward delivers training and assessment for individuals and organisations all over the country. Each year they hand-pick the most popular, successful and in-demand programmes to create a portfolio of over 75 courses, many of which are 'open access' and have regular start dates. There are qualifications and short courses all designed to help people to be more effective at work - now or in a future career.
Their trainers are specifically chosen for their current experience and skills, credibility and character. Participants are encouraged to relax, contribute and try their new-found skills in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.
Originally focussed in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the South West, Fast Forward now deliver for clients in London, Manchester, Peterborough and even Northumberland. [2]
New College runs a football team, New College Academy F.C. which competes in the English football league system. For the 2011-12 season they play in the Hellenic Football League Division One West, after transferring from the Wiltshire League. There is also a Basketball Academy and a new Cycling Performance Academy (for 2014). Former and current sporting alumni include Shelley Rudman (skeleton bob), Laura Halford (rhythmic gymnastics), Debbie Palmer (speed skating and ice hockey), Jaime King (Swimming), Jon Lewis (Cricket(, Matt O'Dowd (Athletics), Louise Hunt (wheelchair tennis), Anna Mayes netball.[3]
Criticism
Prices
Prices of food in the college refectory and additional charges such as cash withdrawals, and extra expediture on course materials, such as printer credits, is deemed too high for the students.[4] New College has relieved some of these costs in recent years (for example, allowing some students of art-based courses to obtain more printer credits for their money and doubling print credit for all students in 2013/14).
Over-crowding
Over-crowding within the college was still a major issue in 2005, with a large influx of students attracted by the rebuild. Limited 'free-time' space is in places such as stairwells and classrooms. Parking is also difficult. Students and staff were parking in the housing estate opposite the college annoying residents. Extra parking has been added but many feel is still inadequate. The 2012 extension has solved many of the issues above. Parking can occasionally be problematic, but New College remain committed to providing free parking for their students, unlike other providers who charge.[4]